Crowds gathered in the crisp early morning to mark the 100 year anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
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The dark did not deter residents from taking part in the national Anzac tradition and commemorate the soldiers who had lost their life on the battlefield and for those who still fight today.
The Albion Park RSL Sub-Branch became a place of remembrance and reflection for the dawn services at 4.30pm. A breakfast was held after the service.
Malayan Emergency Veteran and Albion Park RSL sub branch committee member Bill Dean said he was "bubbling" after the dawn service.
"Coming here is a must every year," he said.
"I wouldn't miss it. To pay respect to all the soldiers and also to my father who served in WWII."
Vice President of Albion Park RSL sub branch Deborah Hamilton said this years turnout was the biggest yet.
"We estimate about 3000 people are here today," she said.
"We have been selling badges for weeks and the amount of interest we have seen and money we have raised has surpassed previous years.
"Our aim here at Albion Park is to involve the community and everyone has really taken it on board this year for the centenary."
The Warilla RSL Sub-Branch held a morning service at the Shellharbour Village War Memorial from 6.30am and Shellharbour City Council held a service at the Shellharbour City Memorial at 7.20am.